Is Los Angeles or Santa Monica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Santa Monica (Safety Score 35/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 5,573 for Santa Monica — 60% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 42.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Monica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Santa Monica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 5,572.9 | -3,360.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 782.5 | -53.9 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 4.5 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 72.0 | -31.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 202.4 | +7.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 499.2 | -27.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 4,790.4 | -3,306.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 848.8 | -476.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 3,382.9 | -2,531.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 558.8 | -299.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Santa Monica safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 5,573 for Santa Monica — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Santa Monica has 782.5. Los Angeles has lower violent crime.
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its iconic pier and vibrant tourism. Its beaches and Pacific Ocean proximity draw a diverse population, including many young professionals and families. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 88,948, Santa Monica has a total crime rate of 5,572.9 per 100,000 residents.